National Organic Standards Board Rejects (Some) Additives for Infant Formula

At last week’s public meeting of the National Organic Standards Board, the Board denied requests to allow ascorbyl palmitate, beta-carotene, L-carnitine, lutein, lycopene, nucleotides, and taurine to organic infant formula. Each of these synthetic nutrients was requested for exemption via the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, which identifies synthetic nutrients that can be added to organic products and organic nutrients that are specifically prohibited.

The Board did, however, approve synthetic L-methionine for organic soy-based infant formula. While earlier comments from the Board indicated a reluctance to exempt L-methionine because of its toxic solvent-based extraction process, soy would not meet the requirements for protein quality without the addition of this amino acid. The Board says it is not aware of an alternative source of non-milk protein available for use in infant formula.

All decisions made by the Board serve solely as recommendations until the National Organic Program issues a final rule to adopt any of the Board’s motions.